Amazing Rituals of India

by Swayam Ganguly, Shri Supriyo (Illustrator)

A tribute to India's unique and colourful cultural richness, this one-of-a-kind curation brings together mainstream rural and urban customs as well as lesser-known ethnic traditions of India. From the intriguing wedding rites of the Nyishis of Arunachal Pradesh or the Roce ceremony of the Christians to the more well-known mourning practices on Muharram, and from the dazzling Lai Haraoba dance and music ceremonies of the Meitei tribe to the breathtaking gajan festival of rustic Bengal, where body piercing takes centre stage, this compendium has it all.

While describing the rituals, this engaging and essential reference book also details the geographical and historical landscape of many. It also highlights the ethnological wealth of the subcontinent in terms of its metaphysical, material, cultural and occupational diversity.

Amazing Rituals of India is, on the one hand, an accessible, engrossing read for the curious reader and, on the other, a diving board for students of anthropology, sociology and human geography. Combining both the essential and the exotic, this book can be a great source of ideas for writers, journalists and performing artists, and a handy reference for those working in governance.

204 pages, Paperback

Reviews

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about deeply rooted traditions, cultures and rituals in India. There are tribal religions that we are oblivion to. So, the author has shared about the vast traditions, customs and rituals in India. They pass down through generations and they shape us. Author has covered everything from respecting our elders to marriage, purification rituals, dance, Worshipping gods to celebrating Indian festivals together. Every religion in India have their own language, clothes, rituals and traditions. While they also speak about women’s place in their religion. There is a belief system as well. The more you will dive into them, the more they will fascinate you. Some rituals were formed on the basis of ancient history. Like one of the rituals of Toda Tribe was associated with Mahabharata. The book includes traditions, customs, wedding rites, Indian cuisines, dance and music ceremonies. Some traditions and beliefs have evolved over time. For indians, traditions, culture, custom and rituals plays an essential role and they make us who we are today. This book is for you, if you are fascinated by Indian culture and rituals. I absolutely love Bengali and Rajasthani cultures. I love Durga Puja and Rajasthani food and culture. I just wanted to read more about Rajputani culture.

Thank you Hachette India